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June 24, 2005 13:41 IST

The National Association of Software and Services Companies has taken serious note of the allegations levelled by a British newspaper that Indian call centres were illegally selling bank account data of British customers. Nasscom said that it is working with authorities in the United Kingdom and India to ensure that those responsible for this criminal act are promptly brought to justice.

The IT industry body also said that it will set up a register of IT professionals to ensure that only suitable staff are employed in the industry.

In a statement, Nasscom said: "We have noted the report in The Sun (UK), resulting from an investigation by their reporter, about the illegal sale of customer data and are seeking further details. Nasscom and its member companies are strong upholders of data privacy and have been continuously strengthening both the legal and enforcement framework for data protection."

"In keeping with this, Nasscom will work with the legal authorities in the United Kingdom and India to ensure that those responsible for any criminal breaches are promptly prosecuted and face the maximum penalty," the statement added.

"We believe

that any case of theft or a breach of a customer's confidentiality must be treated extremely seriously. It does not matter if the crime is 'traditional' in its nature or whether it is what is known as a 'cyber crime'," Nasscom said.

"The problem is not unique to any single nation -- it is one that can affect any country --

and each of us has a responsibility to take on the criminals. India, with its strong legal system and its independent judiciary, is a country that takes this responsibility extremely seriously," Nascomm added.

"Indian

IT companies undertaking work for UK companies already comply with all the requirements of the Data Protection Act, as well as other security and confidentiality safeguards. But the industry is determined to raise standards even further," Nasscom stated.

The statement assured that the Indian IT industry, under the auspices of Nasscom, is:

1. Working with the government to introduce amendments to the Indian IT Act that will make life even more difficult for criminals;2. Training and supporting Indian law enforcement agencies to ensure that they are well equipped to tackle cyber crime;3.

Establishing a register of IT professionals to ensure that only suitable staff are employed in the industry.

"The

Indian IT companies do not want to merely match worldwide standards in security. They want to set the very highest standards," the statement said.